Automatically adjusting poweroperated tire and rim assembling apparatus



Dec. 1, 1953 E. MULLEN 2,661,053

AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed March 28, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ia wmep Maui/v Dec. 1, 1953 E. MULLEN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLINGAPPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 28, 1951 M IH INVENTOR.

0W4A0 M0114! Y Ud f 'LlMF Dec. 1, 1953 E, MULLEN 2,661,053

AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed March 28, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

[On 4P0 MVZZf/V Dec. 1, 1953 MULLEN 2,661,053

AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed March 28, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 .l" r I i q y L a? a,

"2| lllllll I 7/ IN V EN TOR.

0 mq/ea MUZAf/V ATTOR/V' Y5 Dec. 1, 1953 E. MULLEN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE} AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed March 28, 1951 ETMUIIEN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed March 28, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 W/MWW Dec. 1, 195 3 E. MULLEN 2,661,053

AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING, POWER-OPERATED TIRE AND RIM ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed March 28, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 6 lfo //V VIA 70R f0 WARD MVAZA-A/ A TTOR/VEVS aecipt jacent ends of the links in each chain are pivotally connected by a common vertical pin 25, and the two chains are held in vertical spaced relationship by tubular spacers 35 respectively supported on the pins 28.

x The conveyor is guided along its preselected path of travel by rollers and guide rails 32. A pair of rollers 3| are respectively supported on opposite ends of the pins 29 between the links The guide length of angle iron which extends along the desired path of travel of the conveyor.

The means for driving a conveyor 20 is indicated diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the I drawings, wherein it Will be noted that the numeral 3'! designates a caterpillar type continuous chain supported in a horizontal plane intermediate the top and bottom chains and 21 in a position to engage the spacers on the conveyor chain 20. The opposite ends of the chain 3'! are engaged by sprockets 38 and 39 respectively secured to shafts 40 and 4|. The shafts 40 and 4| are suitably supported with their axes extending vertically, and a gear 42 is secured to the shaft 4|. The gear 42 meshes with a gear 43 which is secured to the driven shaft 44 of a speed reducer 45.

The drive shaft 46 of the speed reducer has a sprocket 41 secured thereto, and this sprocket is connected by a chain 48 to the output shaft of a Reeves type transmission 49. mission 49 is driven by an electric motor suitably supported on a part of the frame structure. In the present instance the motor 5!) drives the caterpillar type chain 31 in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1 with the result that the conveyor 20 is driven in the direction of the arrow B in Figures 1, 2, and 7.

Work supporting table As shown particularly in Figures 1 to 3 inelusive, it will be noted that a plurality of work supporting tables 5| are secured to the top chain 26 of the conveyor in spaced relation to each other in the direction of the path of travel of the conveyor. The work supporting tables 5| are identical in construction; and accordingly, a description of one will sufiice for all. In detail the table comprises a carrier plate 52 supported in a horizontal plane above the top chain 26 of the conveyor 20 and secured to one link 28 ofthe chain 26 through the medium of a spacer in the form of a block 53. In Figure 2 of the drawings, the carrier plate 52 and spacer 53 are shown as secured to the top of the chain 26 by studs 54. A mounting plate 55 is secured to the carrier plate 52 by the studs 54, and a centering stud 56 projects upwardly from the plate 55'.

The centering stud 56 projects through the central opening in the body of the wheel 22 and locates the wheel in position on the plate 52. In the event it is desired to prevent rotation of the wheel 22 relative to the plate 52, a locating pin 58 may be provided. As shown particularly in Figure 3 of the drawings, the pin 58 extends vertically and is slidably supported in aligned The trans- 4 openings formed in the plates 52 and 55. The upper end of the pin 58 is slidably supported in an opening formed in a lug 59 projecting laterally from one side of the pin 55, and in the uppermost position of the pin 58, projects through one of the bolt receiving openings provided in the body of the vehicle Wheel 22. The portion of the pin 58 below the carrier plate 52 is formed with a slot which is engaged by an helically extending cam 59. The cam 59' is rotatable about a pivot pin 60 secured to the carrier plate 52 with its axis extending vertically. The cam is manually rotated about the pin 68 by a lever 6| to raise the pin 58 and engage the same in one of the bolt openings of the vehicle wheel 22.

The cam 59' is automatically rotated in the opposite direction to lower the pin 53 out of the bolt opening in the wheel engaged thereby, and this is accomplished by a roller 62 secured to one of the uprights 33 of the frame structure. As shown in Figure 1 the roller 62 is supported inthe path of travel of the levers 6| on the respective tables 5|, and is positioned to trip the levers as the device 2| approaches the end of its travel with the conveyor 29, or in other words, after the device 2| assembles the tire 23 on the Wheel rim 24.

The carrier plates 52 not only support the vehicle wheel 22, but in addition, support the tire 23 in relation to the vehicle wheel. In the present instance the tire is supported in the position thereof shown in Figure 11 of the draw ings wherein the front side of the tire rests on the plate 52 with the rim engaging beads located within the confines of the wheel rim 24. The opposite or rear side of the tire, however, assumes a position spaced some distance above the wheel 22. The tire is located in this generally inclined position with respect to the wheel by a member 63 secured to the top of the plate 52 and extending upwardly from the plate in a position to engage the front side of the tire and prevent shifting movement of the tire relative to the wheel.

Assembly device The assembly device 2| is normally located at the rest station 25 in a position to register with the wheel and tire units on the work supporting tables 5| as the latter are advanced by the conveyor. The device 2| has a frame structure 64' shown in Figure 3 0f the drawings as having a part 65 and a housing 66. The part 65 is positioned at one side of the conveyor 25 and projects vertically to a position spaced substantially above the top of the conveyor 20. The housing 66 is secured to the upper end of the part 65 and overhangs the conveyor 26 in vertical spaced relation thereto.

The frame 64 is movable for a limited distance along the path of travel of the conveyor 25 and is guided throughout this movement by an assembly 61 shown best in Figure 2 of the drawings. The assembly '51 comprises a tube 68 and brackets 69. The tube 58 extends generally parallel to the path of travel of the conveyor 29 and is secured to a bushing 15, which in turn is fixed to the frame 65 as shown in Figures 3 and 5 of the drawings. The brackets 65 are spaced from each other in the direction of the axis of the tube 68, and are suitably secured to parts ll of the fixed frame of the machine. Suitable bushings 12 are respectively secured in the bracket 59 and slidably engage the tube 68. Each 7 mm. As shown in Figures 3 and 8 of the draw ings, a lever I05 is pivoted at the outer end to a cap I06, which is journalled on the upper end of the spindle 84 above the head 81. The lever I05 is fulcrumed intermediate the ends on a pivot pin I01, and the inner end of the lever has a counterweight I08 adjustably secured thereto tending to swing the lever in a direction about the pin I01 to raise the spindle 84.

The lever I05 is swung in opposite directions about the pivot pin I'I to raise and lower the spindle 84 by a cam I09 shown in Figure 4 of the drawings. The cam I09 is secured to a shaft 0 suitably journalled on the machine frame and having a gear III secured thereto. The gear III meshes with a pinion |l2 driven by a, suitable speed reducer I|3 having the power input shaft 4 coupled to a drive shaft I I5 through the medium of a coupling I I6. The shaft H5 is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings as coupled to the speed reducer 45 of the conveyor driving mechanism. The arrangement is such that the cam I09 is driven in timed relation to the movement of the conveyor 20, so that the spindle 84 is moved downwardly and upwardly at the proper intervals.

With the above in view, reference is again made to Figure 4 of the drawings, wherein it will be noted that the cam I09 is formed with a contoured groove II! in one face, and this groove is designed to receive a follower in the form of a roller H8. The roller I I8 is supported at one end of a lever I I9 fulcrumed intermediate the ends on a fixed pivot pin I and having the opposite end pivoted to the lower end of a link I2 I. The upper end of the link I2I is pivoted to an arm I22 extending laterally from and secured to a shaft I23. The shaft I23 is journalled at opposite ends on the fixed parts II of the machine frame, and extends through a sleeve I24 secured to the frame pivoted to the lower end of a link I26, and the upper end of this link is pivoted to the lever I05 at a point spaced inwardly from the fulcrum pin I01. 4

It follows from the above that rotation of the cam I09 in the direction of the arrow C on Figure 4 of the drawings successively moves the spindle 84 downwardly and upwardly relative to the registering work supporting table 5|. The configuration of the cam groove I I1 and the speed of rotation of the cam I09 in relation to the rate of conveyor travel is determined so that the spindle 84 is moved downwardly after a work holding table has been advanced to the rest station 25 of the device and is moved upwardly at the end of the forward travel of the device 2| just prior to disengagement of the dog I8 with the adjacent conveyor driving lug 'II.

Attention is called at this time to the fact that the fulcrum pin I0! is mounted on the upper end of a rod I21 having the lower end connected to a piston not shown of an air cylinder I28. The air cylinder I28 is suitably pivotally supported on the housing 65 of the frame 64 in order to compensate for angular movement of the lever I05. Air under pressure is supplied to the air cylinder at opposite sides of the piston through the medium of a four-way valve diagrammatically illustrated by the numeral I29. With this construction the operator may manipulate the valve I29 to raise the spindle 84 in the event any of the parts become jammed during operation.

Downward movement of the spindle 84 to position the fitting I00 over the centering pin 58 on the registering work supporting table 5| not only engages the shoe I03 with the tire 23, but in addition, serves to clamp the front side of. the tire 23 to the table 5|. As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, a clamping foot I30 is located at the front side of the spindle 84 in a position to engage the top wall of the tire 23 on the table 5| registering with the lower end of the spindle 84. The foot I30 is movable with the spindle 84 in directions toward and away from the registering Work supporting table 5| by the lever I05 previously described as pivoted to the upper end of the spindle 84. In detail a slide I3I is mounted on the front side of the head 81 for vertical sliding movement relative to the head. The upper end of the slide |3| is connected to the cap I06 on the top of the spindle 84 by a projection I32 extending laterally from the front side of the cap. The lower end of the slide I3I is connected to the foot I30 so that the foot moves up and down as a unit with the spindle 84.

Referring again to Figure 2 of the drawings, an arm I33 projects forwardly from the slide I3I and is provided with an elongated slot I34 through which the upper end of a stud I35 projects. The lower end of the stud I35 is pivoted to the upper end of an arm I36 having the lower end secured to the clamping foot I30. Suitable clamping nuts I3'I are threaded on the stud I35 at opposite sides of the arm I33 and serves to clamp the stud to the arm. The arrangement is such that the foot I30 may be adjusted in directions toward and away from the spindle 84 to enable locating the foot in the desired position relative to the tire '23 on the work supporting table 5| registering with the spindle.

After the device 2| is moved in a forward direction away from the rest station 25 by the conveyor 20, and the dog 18 on the device 2| is released from the adjacent conveyor lug I1, it is necessary to return the device to the rest station. With this in view, reference is again made to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, wherein the nu-- meral I38 indicates a roller secured to one side of the gear I I in a position to engage a cam I39 fixed to the frame 64 of the assembly device 2|. The gear III is rotated in timed relation to the rate of travel of the conveyor 20, and the roller I38 engages the cam I39 after the dog 78 on the device 2| is released from the adjacent conveyor driving lug I1. Continued rotation of the gear III after the roller I38 engages the cam I39 moves the frame 64 or device 2| rearwardly to ward the rest station 25. When the device 2| returns to the rest station 25, the cam I33 clears the roller I38 so that continued rotation of the gear III has no effect on the position of the assembly device 2|. 11-, will further be noted that the surface of the cam I39 engaged by the roller I38 is contoured to provide harmonic or substantially harmonic motion to the device 2| and thereby avoids unduly stressing the parts. Attention is also called to the fact that the roller H8 is engaged with the high side of the cam groove II'I before the roller I38 contacts the cam I39. Thus the spindle 84 and associated par-ts are elevated before the device 2| is ret the rest station 25. umed to 9 I Operation -."1he=.conveyor .20. is driven continuously in. the direction of the arrows B-by the caterpillar chain -31 (Figure '=1) :to successively position the work supporting tables 5 I. .at the assembly station -25. Before --the-.tab1es 5 I are advanced to the assembly station '25; a wheel .22 is positioned oneach w-tablein a .manner-suchthat the centeringpins 56 on the respective tables projectrthrough the hub openings of thewheels 22:2on rthelitables. In addition the levers -6l are'zma'nuallycperated to raise the locating pins-:58 on thewtables andprofijectjthesupper .ends of theserpins through the a .bolt :holes ioffthe wheels "onr-the respective itables. Also pneumatic tires 23* .are: positi'o-nedcaonzthe respective tables? .5 I: ;iniisuperimposed relation "to tithe wheel rims 24/ The tires 23are'merely placed :f'overthewheels 22 smthat theirontsideszofli'the :Jtir'es restxon the respectivetablesi I :between the crguide'iiplatesl 63 and rimLMi'of f the whe'el. As" a result-'ithe rear sides of the tires assume positions ""spa'ced some distance abovethe adjacentsides bf the wheels, as shown in Figure 11 of the drawings. I

When' the tables-5| with-the wheelsand tires thereon are advanced-to' the res-t station 25, the spindle--84'andassOciated-partS are in their elevated positions so 'as-not to interfere with movement of thecentering pins -5tto' positions'in *"axial alignment-withthe fitting 100 at the'lower erid-ofthe spindle. As soon as the centering pin 56' on the' table 5 l "at the rest station 25' registers with the fitting 100' atithe'lower end of thejspindle shoulder .80on the dog "18 (Eigurei 6). and moves "thedogforwardlyqalonglthe track 8|. 1 The dog 18'is'moi1'nted on thefdevice zl sojthat'the latter .is'. advanced with the conveyor. atlthe same .rate as .the. conveyor. .Also-Lduring-initial ,Iadvancement 'ofthe. device Is WithQthe. conveyor. :20, the spindle l8 4 .is. rotatedinaclockwise direction and moved downwardly to telescope the fitting ltfl withthe .upper end-.of the centering .pin 56 on I. thetable 5| registering withthef device :21.

1..Ihe,.spindle -84 sis-moved downwardly by the cam [09 (Eigure ilrand is rotatedvgbynthe-rack 2.. 9&andpini0n- 9.3; showninhigures 3 and fioiuthe drawing. The pinion Saris-carried by the::dev-ice 2t-and1the rackifihfis secured t'oxrltherlfixed'vf-rame parts. 1 1 so thatiorwardmiovementiof theazdevice :2 l-bXVi'th. the Lconveyorl-Z ;rotateszthe spindle 84am -a clockwise direction. Downv/fard movement.eofr the i'spindleet debrings v theas'hoe-twi-s and foot Be-limo. engagemen with ther-tops walker. fthestirewat rthea-frontiside' -vehiele--:wheela-2;2 as shown :imiiligure 2:50 the drawings. 4; The ricotta-3i sclamps. :theiiront; .side rofrthewtiret'h-seourelwagainstfihe $353182 I--;:i;and the shoe rotates around the wheelxrimfl tin contactzwiththe tirazt, moving-rt-l'lev tire-downwardly wand forcingethewtireebearlslover -the itiresretaining; flanges err-.thezrim. 2 This operationsis accom- .plished-while thezdevice 2i: iseheing advanoedwith .the-conveyor-. 2i).

. the .-=device: 2 l FEEIJPI'OfiOhBSwzthG- send "oi-sits .tforwardatravel with the oenveyoniihethe levenzfil on. theregisterigng itab1ii'5 i leng-a-ges-ithe roller-.62 (Figure 1)::onwthefixed frame and isrrotatedrin .ar-di-rection to withdraw-the locatingrpim58- (Figure: 3 ).v 'irom ethe lboltz hole in a zt'heirvehicle wheel 22. ;-:'A1S0.;l';he";r01ier 82 :(Figure 6):.a-"onlithetrfront .-;end=i ofr-thendogffl 8 :engages' sthei i 'clinemsurf ace 83 on the front end. of the tracki al and perm-its dicates a; table similar vtQJthetahIe.5hinrthatlit latter.

"engage the shoulder-Biron the dog 18 from "the adjacent conveyor driving lug '77. Thus forward movement'of the device 2 l by the conveyor is discontinued.

Just-before the dogla is released from the adjacent conveyor driving lug H, the cam 'lliS operates to raise thespindle' shoe 103 *and thedevic'e' 2 I.

Upon completion of the foregoing operations,

the rollerlfiil (Figures 3 and 4). engages the'cam i 39- andreturnsthe' device 2 l. :to the .rest station 25. During this "return movement ofithe" device "2 i the rack- .99 and pinion -98 coaot to rotate thekspindle t in: amounterclockwise direction.

As a resultthe'shoe 153" is returned to'its initial starting position for the next cycle of'operation.

"Attention-is calledto'the fact .that the device 25 is returned to therest'station'25 before'thenext succeedingworl; supporting table 5!..is-advanced by the. conveyor 28 .to the. reststation. l'ilhe arrangement is' such that. the tire and wheel units on the tables 5 l are successivelyassemblked. without interrupting advancement of the conveyorl ll.

. The embodiment .offthe' invention. showntin Figures 12 to 1'7 il'lClllSil/B.'T0f the Idrawings...differs principally. fromthe. .constructionshown in Figures 1. to .11 inclusive-in -that'provision. is made for moving ithe'shoe 'ljca radi-allyjof the. axis of rotation of .the spindle Mite. engage-theshoe I'M with tires.iofjdilierent.diameter. Thus..tires of appropriatediameter .may be. assembled von rims of different diameter.

' With. the above iniyiew, .referenceismade. to Figures lhland 16jwherein1the. numeral .lL5iLinis fixed to the. conveyorizfi for. .movement.bythe However 1' the. .table J50 has. a .plurality of circumierentially spacedrimsupporting. blocks I 5! secured thereto .inconcentric relation. tolthe wheel. centering pin .56..on.the..tab1e. Each block l5! has vertically-spaced inner and vouter,.r.ests I52 and 1. 53. integrally connected: by, a vertical shoulder"! 5s. .Thelowermost. rests lEZ- are located in a common .-horizontal. .plane. and: .provide a .seat fora .ri'elatively smal1...diameter rim--IR,.v As showniri Figure, lfi of the drawings, the peripheral. flange. I 55.on. the .rim R engages. the rests 152 .adjacentthe verticalshoulders I54 in arman- .ner..such...'that .the shoulders serve to centerethe .rim' R. onthetable. The top rests 153, are also locatedin. a. common horizontal plane. and provide seats for. .eng-aging-the-tire retaining. flanges I55 of a larger diameter rim R. The peripheral flanges. l51..on-,-the rimR' engage the outersides of. the. respective. blocks :15! 2130 center. the rimzR onthetalole L50.

- Asshown. in Figures 12 and13ythe lower .end

of thetubular spindle- 84- is fashioned .to coact with .thefittingmlilfitoprovide a guideway I58 which extends normal to thespindles andtslidably supports an arm I59. The outer rendofgthe arm 5% supportsztheshoe 4'03 in a mannensuoh -that-..;slidingz-movementuof the. arm 159 relative to the gnidewaydfifi varies .theposition' oithe shoe wit-3 radially with respect totthe vertical axis of the spindle-t4. Thus the: shoe i'i33- maybe .adiustecl' to engage' the tires on' either'of the rims I Rand R In the-present "instance theshoe l'flil" is'adjusted by vertical displacement of a rod I 60 slidably supported in the bore of the spindle 84. Referring again to Figures 12 and 13, the lower end of the rod I 60 is secured to a plunger I6I movable across the guideway I58. The lower end of the plunger I6I is fashioned to provide a semicircular projection I62 which extends downwardly through a slot I63 in the inner end of the arm I59. The wall I64 of the projection I62 is fiat and slidably engages the adjacent wall of the slot I63,as clearly shown in Figure 14 of the drawings. It will also be noted from Figure 14 that-1a cam in the form of a helically extending rib I65 is formed on the wall I64 of the plunger NH, and slidably engages in a correspondingly shaped groove I66 in the arm I59. The construction is such that downward movement of the rod I60 relative to the arm I59 moves the shoe I03 radially inwardly to a position wherein the shoe properly engages the tire associated with the rim R, and upward movement of the rod I60 shifts the shoe I03 radially outwardly to a position wherein it properly engages the tire associated with the rim R.

The upper end of the rod I60 projects beyond the cap I06 at the top of the spindle 84, and a cap I61 is journalled on the upper end of the rod. A pair of arms I68 have the inner ends respectively pivotally connected to the cap I61 at opposite sides of the latter and the outer ends of the arms I68 are pivoted to a fitting I69. The arms I68 are also pivotally connected intermediate the ends to a support I by a pin HI, and the support is carried by a bracket I12 secured to the cap I06. Thus upward movement of the fitting I69 moves the rod I60 in a downward direction and downward movement of the fitting I69 moves the rod I60 in anupward direction.

through the supply line I19 is lubricated by suitable devices'l80 connected in the supply line I19 aheadof the valve I18. The solenoid-operated valve I18 may be any one of the various types available to the trade, and accordingly is not described in detail herein. It will sufiice to point out that the valve is moved in one direction by a solenoid I8I and is moved in the opposite direction by suitable spring means not shown here- The electric circuit for controlling the operation of the solenoid I8I is shown diagrammatically in Figure 18 of the drawings, and is designated generally by the reference character I82. The control circuit I82 is connected to a source of electrical energy through the medium of a transformer I83; and comprises, in addition to the solenoid I8I, a relay I84, a normally open limit switch I85 and a normally closed limit switch I86. The contacts of the relay I 84 are indicated by the reference numerals I81, I88 and I89. Attention is called to the fact that the limit switch I86 and relay contacts I81 provide a shunt connection around the limit switch I85. The purpose of this arrangement will be more fully understood as the description proceeds.

Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, it will be noted that the limit switch I85 is supported at the left hand side of the path of travel of the table I in a position for operation by a projection 99 movable as a unit with the table I50. In the present instance the projection I90 is secured to the outer face of the adjacent rim supporting block I5I. The limit switch I86 is suitably supported at the right hand side of the path of travel of the table I50, and is spaced in advance of the limit switch I85.

The limit switch I86 is operated by a cam I9I carried by the outer end of an arm I92. The outer end of the arm is pivoted as at I93, and the inner end of the arm is positioned for engagement by the outer end of an arm I94. The inner end of the arm I94 is pivotally supported on a bracket I95 by a .pin I96 having its axis arranged to permitvertical swinging movement of the outer end of the arm. The bracket I95 is suitably secured to the table I50, so that the arm I94 is moved as a unit with the table.

As shown particularly in Figure 16 of the drawings, the arm I 94 is normally held in engagement with a stop I91 by a suitable coil spring I98. The stop is located to coact with the coil spring I98 in positioning the outer end of the arm I94 in a common plane with the inner end of the arm I92, as shown in Figure 16 of the drawings. A trigger in the form of a flange I99 extends upwardly from the swinging end of the arm I94, and is positioned adjacent one side of one block I5I on the table I50. The upper edge of the flange I99 extends above the plane of the seats I52 on the blocks I5I, and is engaged by the flange I on the rim R so that when the latter rim is in position on the table, the arm I94 is moved downwardly to the broken line position shown in Figure 16, where the outer end of the arm I 94 is out of registration with the arm I92. However the flange I99 does not project above the plane of the seats I53 on the blocks I50, so that the normal position of the arm is not affected by the rim R. It follows from the above that when the rim R is seated on the table I58. thp limit switch I86 is not operated and remains in its closed position. However when a larger diameter rim R is positioned on the table I50, the limit switch I86 is opened by the arm I94 as the table I50 is advanced.

Referring now to the operation of the shoe adjusting means, it will be noted that as the table I50 commences its forward travel, the limit switch I is closed by the projection I on the table I50. As a result the relay I84 is energized, and the contacts I81, I88 and I89 are closed. Since the normally closed limit switch I86 and the closed relay contacts I81 shunt the limit switch I85, it follows that the circuit remains closed after the limit switch I85 moves to its open position.

Closing of the circuit by the limit switch I85 energizes the solenoid I8I and operates the valve I18 to move the rod I60 in a downward direction. As a result the shoe I03 is moved inwardly to a position wherein it engages the tire on the relatively small diameter rim R. Assuming that the rim R is supported on the table I50, it will be noted that the arm I94 is in the broken line position thereof shown in Figure 16 wherein the outer end is spaced below the arm I92. Thus as the table I 50 continues its advancement, the outer end of the arm I94 passes beneath the arm I92 and does not disturb the closed position of the limit switch I86.

However, if a larger diameter rim R is seated semen-e53 oonzztheatable 11 50,;the1limit -swi-tch l-flfieis .ppened 'A-bytheQarmwI-M; and the.-circuit:1|z821 is .also; ;opened o. deenerg-ize-.thet solenoidA-B I. I Accordingly;the alve -I I8 :is operated ;;by the-usual11spring means a. o .rcause" upward ..-movement of. the trod $60,. and thereby move :the shoes! 03 radially outwardly to a .position wherein-properly v(engages. the: tire .on etheelarger diameter.-1:im- R. It :follows from: the eabove. that. the :circuit 1824s normally energized atdmaintain: the shoe .403 .in a-positiont to properly mengage the. tire on the --re1atively small diameter .rrim Rand that theshoe is reset to this-position after each. operation in connection witha larger :diameter. rimiR'.

What I claim as my inventiontis:

1..-.Apparatus. vfor. assembling tires'gron wheel rims-comprising conveyor .meansrmova-blealong a .predetermined.=:path .Of-z travel; aenest station at .:one, .side. of .theioonveyor. means. a plurality of rztiremmeansizfon.advancing the devicesasx ain'nit twith:$he-:support,;means. ionarotating .ethe'. tire srengagingapartjduring:advancement of.;theassem- .ii'bbfiidVic'i tocionceethel tire: om the-wheelzri mland 5 rimeans'operating. in..timed relation to :rotationi'of spartxforf; returning .the device. :to the :rest station. 911.6. The apparatus .:s"'et.:forth jnxclaim 5: having smeans suppnrtingrthe srotatable apartzfornmove- 1 osimentz'into-zand" .outsof i engagement ivvithzthe r'itire *nnithetsupport, and m'eans .fori'moving the apart .ziintoizengagementwvith:the. tires'in timed" relation :kztoamtation ofzthe: part; andion moving '..theupart 'eout.refs-engagement awith the .tire prior :torreturn 15 -movement:ofcthezdevice.

'7. Theoapparatussset ztorthrin claimzfiimhav- .-ingr:. means :for :clamping: thettire at. one. side of itheslwh'eel. rimzagairistrithe vsupport:during-'zrotaemipnz-zoi ithen'part:.a1'dund?=the tire, said clamping :supportscarried bythe conveyor. means inspaeedze orimeans' comprising a holding element: movable zsrelationshipin the direction of movement :of. the conveyor. means and. successively..registerable 'with..the rest station, .means for locating. a wheel .rimaafid vtire..in superimposed relation-.on each support, an assembly device supported .atthe rest;

station and having a-partrotatably .engageable withv the tire. 1011. the. support registering with the :rest .station, means .for. moving the. assembly de- .Vice in the. direction .ofaadvancement tor.- the con- .veyormeans..at..substantially. the same rate asz; ..the conveyor smeansaand- -in timed relation to movement of a support into registration withzthe .rest. station means for..rotating .the. tire engag- .ing .part..dnring.. .movement ofhtheidevice in the ,..direction .of advancement ,otthe conveyor. meansz'z.

..toliorce the tire .o'nithe wheelrimand means op- ..Leratingin timed relation. to. r=otation.of thetire ...-engagi ng .part forrreturningthe. device tether-est .station.

. .2NJ.The.;apparatus.setlfortlninsclaim 1-.Wl1e1.Bin; ...the...means...for...rotatingv .theitirelhengfl n part ,arcomprises rack; and pinion. members, one ref-(the members beingemountedmon .theassembly; device andithe ctheizmembe'r. ibeingfixed againstlmove- -ment' with said device in; apositiomto meshwith "thes-aid-one member. I

.Q..3I1The apparatus set .forth. .in claim; 1-. wherein Qthemean's.fonmovingthe assembly. deviceiin the .1 direction .of advancement of. the conveyor means comprisesv a: member. .carriedsbyv .the device. .and ...e'xtending. intdjthelpath .of.trave1 .of .alplurality .J'bf members .respectivelyi carried bysthe. conveyor means.'a djaceht the supportsin positionsctosuc- .cessively engage thememberl carried. -by= saiddevice.

'54.. The apparatus ..set';forthnin;claim. 3;.having ;.cam means'sfixedagainstlnovement with the. defjvice. and engageable. with; theememberionethe I "fdevicei ,to-v .feleasejthelsame.iromlthe. adjacent ...,mernher' .on thevconveyorameans;uponcompletiom ofithe operation 10f. fsaidItire .engaging l..part.-.to

1.- apply the tire. on. the wheel.-rim-.and prior. .to operation. of the -return means. V 5. 'Apparatus jor assemblingr tires ...on. wheel rims; comprising. a. support, conveyor c-meansI'lfor :moving "the support... in eonelidire'ctionialong a predetermined. path of travel means.on thesnp- "'portifor locating a Whee1..rim.,-and.-tire.insuperimposed .rela'tion, a.. rest;.station .ateonew-side of device supported-at the rest station a position to register with :the'tire: on the support! and :IIIOVHJJIB along thez-pathl-of travel of; thesupport,

saiddevice shaving .astpartz rotatable raboutr the saxissofg-tthe :wheehrimnand..iengageablei withethei.

into'z'and 'loutizof :engagement with the'ztireizasaz a esmitiwithssaid part.

8. Apparatus for assemblingczitiresx:onswheel rims;1:omprising:oonveyorxmeans imovableaw continuously: in onesidirection; a." support 1 aon the conveyornneansytm'eanson the support-i011; locaterinara wheelzrimzand.atirersin:superimposed relation, a restnstatiomtatmne side -ofithepathbf ---traiiel of sthezsnpport; am 'assembly device suprted rthexestfstationwin a positionto register 1 :thet.tirexon itheisupport sand movable "along athexpath'i of tra-yehiof the supportwsaidcdevice having: apart rotatable i abo'iut lithe axis "of'i the wheel andtxengageablez with tthextire, means ""onenatedaby theztconveyorameans .and engageable with-said:- .d'evi'ceiora advancingsthe device as a ran-nit with'iithemsupport, :said "last: namedrimeans .ebei-ngireleasableffrom thezdevice after a predetermined;5distancescotrtravelzzof; the device; means op-erab1etduringemovement 'offthe device With'the upportztonmotate Ztheratire engaging part "and -:-f.orce .theitirmo ithe wheelzzrim; andimeans for :snoving device relative'tofthe conveyor means back to the rest station subsequentato releasing fi'thee-sdeviceifromftheconveyon means.

9. wThe {apparatus FSetZfOIth'l. in :claim 8 wherein alt-he means'iforra otating.ithe' part rcompri-sesfrack w. -dopini'on members, rone oftthemembers carried m bfiithfi'idBViCElrEHd .theijother. "member. being :fixed vaga-instsmdvementiatzthe rest; station in. apo :uS-ltiOIlxtO meshwfithithe first anemberuandrotate 1- thevpartrrint- :'r-.espon'se to" movement of; .the Fdevice Iiill: the. direction-of advancement; offthe conveyor means.

1:510 Apparatusaiorassembling tires zono'whe'el comprising:v a: .conveyorx'zmovable :alongr. a predeterminedwpath rofttravel a pluralitygofz su-p- ;ports-rmountedson stheaconveyon and spaoednfmm freeman-therein hewdirection' of: advanaementxof e; be; conyeyoi meanswvfor positioning a wheel rim -..land:tire; .on .each-zsupport with :.the:--.axis .-.of: the wheel. rim: extendingevertically .and; with the the A tendinga ven the-topmfithewheel. rim; at-rest 'tation at some side:of:the:.eonveyonmeans, Ian

=.assemblyf..device :positionedmat-t{cherest station successively register withlthe supportsnsthey ;a port meanslfon-aaeturningsthe device to the-west station at the end of the limited distance of travel of the device, and means for rotating said part in one direction as the device is advanced along said path of travel to force the tire on the wheel rim and for rotatin the part in the reverse direction upon return movement of said device to the rest station.

11. The apparatus set forth in claim having means supporting the tire engaging part for movement into and out of engagement with the tire on the registering support, means for moving the part into engagement with the tire in timed relation to rotation of said part in said one direction and for moving the part out of engagement with the tire prior to return movement of the device to said rest station.

12. The apparatus set forth in claim 10 wherein the means for rotating the part in opposite directions comprises rack and pinion members, one of the members carried by the device and the other member being fixed against movement at the rest station in a position to mesh with the said one member.

13. The apparatus set forth in claim 10 havin nonrotatable means movable as a unit with said part toward and away from the adjacent tire to successively clamp the tire to and release the same from the registering support.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 10 wherein the means for advancin the device with the conveyor comprises a plurality of lugs respectively mounted on the conveyor adjacent the supports, a dog pivoted on the device and having a shoulder normally positioned in the path of travel of the lugs, cam means fixed against movement with the device and engageable with the swinging end of the dog to hold the dog with its shoulder in the path of travel of the lugs, and means on the cam engageable with the swing ing end of the dog at the end of the limited distance of advancement of the device to permit swinging movement of the dog in a direction to release the shoulder from the adjacent conveyor lug.

15. In apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, a table having means for alternately supporting rims of different diameter with their axes in the same relationship to the table, an assembly device registerable with the table,'means for moving the table and assembly device forwardly along a predetermined path of travel, a part on the assembly device rotatable about the axis of the rim on the table as the latter is advanced and having a shoe spaced radially from the axis of rotation of said part for engagement with a tire positioned on a rim on the table to force the tire I over the latter rim, means supporting the shoe for movement in directions radially of the axis of rotation of the part to register the shoe with tires positioned on the rims of different diameters and mechanism responsive to movement of the table and assembly device in a forward direction along said path of travel to move the shoe in one direction radially of the axis of rotation of the part a distance predetermined to locate the shoerin a position to engage the tire on the particular size rim supported on the table.

16. The apparatus defined in claim having means operated by a rim of one diameter to render the mechanism inoperative to move said shoe radially with respect to axis of rotation of the part.

17. In apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, a table having means for alternately supporting rims of difierent diameter with their axes in the same relationship to the table, an assembly device registerble with the table, means for movin the table and assembly device forwardly along a predetermined path of travel, a part on the assembly device rotatable about the axis of the rim on the table as the latter is advanced and having a shoe spaced radially from the axis of rotation of said part for engagement with a tire positioned on a rim on the table to force the tire over the latter rim, means supporting the shoe for movement in directions radially of the axis of rotation of the part to register the shoe with tires postioned on the rims of difierent diameters, means responsive to movement of the table and assembly device in a forward direction along said path of travel to move the shoe in one direction radially of the axis of rotation of the part a distance predetermined to locate the shoe in a position to engage the tire on a rim of one diameter, said last named means including an arm projecting from one side of the table and a limit switch supported in the path of travel of the arm in a position to be operated by the arm upon initial forward movement of the assembly device and table.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 17 having means supporting the arm on the table for movement relative to the table out of registration with the limit switch, and means on the arm engageable by a second rim of difierent diameter to move said arm out of registration with the limit switch.

19. In apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, a table having means for alternately supporting rims of difierent diameter with their axes in the same relationship to the table, an assembly device registerable with the table, means for moving the table and assembly device forwardly along a predetermined path of travel, a part on the assembly device rotatable about the axis of the rim on the table as the latter is advanced and having a shoe spaced radially from the axis of rotation of said part for engagement with a tire positioned on a rim of given diameter on the table to force the associated tire over the latter rim, means supporting the shoe on said part for movement radially of the axis of the part to a second position wherein the shoe registers with the tire positioned on a rim of different diameter, means responsive to movement of the table and assembly device in a forward direction to successively move the shoe to the first and second positions aforesaid, said last-named means includin an element engageable by a rim of said given diameter to render the shoe moving means inoperative to move said shoe to said second position.

20. Apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, comprising a support, conveyor means for moving the support in one direction along a predetermined path of travel, means on the support for locating a wheel rim and tire in superimposed relation, a rest station at one side of the path of travel of the support, an assembly device supported at the rest station in a position to register with the tire on the support and movable along the path of travel of the support, said device having a part rotatable about the axis of the wheel rim and engageable with the tire, means for advancing the device as a unit with the support, and means for rotating the tire engaging part during advancement of the assembly device to force the tire on the wheel rim.

21. Apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, comprising a support, conveyor means for moving the support in one direction along a pre- 17 determined path of travel, means on the support for locating a wheel rim and tire in superimposed relation, a rest station at one side of the path of travel of the support, an assembly device supported at the rest station in a position to register with the tire on the support and movable along the path of travel of the support, said device having a part engageable with the tire and movable along the top wall thereof, means for advancing the device as a unit with the support, means for moving; the tire engaging part during advancement of the assembly device to force the tire on the wheel rim, and means operative in timed relation to the movement of said part for returning the. device to the rest station.

22. Apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, comprising a support, conveyor means for moving the support in one direction along a predetermined path of travel, means on the support for locating a wheel rim and tire in superimposed relation, a rest station at one side of the path of travel, of the support, an assembly device supported at the rest station in a position to register with the tire on the support and movable along the path of travel of the support, said device having a part engageable with the tire and movable along the top wall thereof, means for advancing the device as a unit with the support, and means for moving the tire engaging part during advancement of the assembly device to force the tire on the wheel rim.

23. In apparatus for assembling tires on wheel rims, an. assembly device, a table registerable 18 with the assembly device, a first rest on the table for supporting a rim of one diameter on the table, a second rest on the table for supporting a rim of a different diameter on said table with the axis of the second rim in the same relationship to the table as the axis of the first rim, a part on the assembly device rotatable about the axis of the rims supported on the table and having a shoe spaced radially from the axis of rotation of said part for engagement with a tire positioned on a rim of said one diameter seated on said first rest to force the associated tire over the latter rim, means supporting the shoe on said part for movement radially of the axis of rotation of the part to a second position wherein the shoe registers with the tire positioned on a rim of said difierent diameter seated on said second rest, means for moving the shoe to said second position, and control means for the shoe moving means, said control means being actuated by a rim of said one diameter seated on said first rest to render the shoe moving means inoperative. EDWARD MULLEN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 582,195 Gibbs May 11, 1897 1,742,590 Freivogel Jan. 7, 1930 1,850,053 Stevens Mar. 15, 1932 2,488,376 Clauser Nov. 15, 1949 2,534,515 Henderson Dec. 19, 1950 2,556,024 Bourdon et al. June 5, 1951 

